The decorated fir tree was first introduced in Germany about the time of Martin Luther. The German words "O Tannenbaum" were set to a tune which may be one of the oldest tunes in existence. A tannenbaum is a fir tree. It was so well known and loved in America that the tune was used during the Civil War as "Maryland, My Maryland." The modern lyrics were written in 1824, by the Leipzig organist, teacher and composer Ernst Anschütz. The lyrics do not actually refer to Christmas, or describe a decorated Christmas tree. Instead, they refer to the fir's evergreen qualities as a symbol of constancy and faithfulness.
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